Marcia Stanley

We cannot afford to allow false narratives about the Government’s handling of hurricane relief funds to go unchallenged, particularly when these claims are made on international platforms. Such statements have consequences beyond our politics. They can damage Jamaica’s reputation, undermine confidence in our institutions and jeopardise the international support we may need when the next disaster strikes. The world has changed, and international assistance increasingly depends on confidence in the strength, integrity and accountability of our systems. I also recognise that these narratives are rooted in a long-standing perception that “nothing is going on” and that government cannot deliver. For too long, this thinking has shaped how Jamaicans engage with government, creating a culture of distrust and short-term expectations that makes it difficult to pursue the long-term policies necessary for meaningful national transformation. Through programmes such as the New Social Housing Programme, we are working to change that perception by demonstrating that government can deliver meaningful, lasting improvements in people’s lives. But we must also acknowledge that delivery takes too long, and we have a responsibility to improve efficiency, strengthen accountability and consistently show Jamaicans the progress being made. We must change the way we think about government, what we expect of it and what it can achieve. That requires transparency, results and a willingness to challenge deeply entrenched beliefs. The only way we are going to change is if we change our thinking and change our outlook.